Beats of the Heart - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Miles' leg bounced as he sat at the bar; his drink had gone untouched. Shawn placed a steadying hand on his leg and smiled. "It'll be okay."
Danny insisted that he went to the Anderson's Christmas Eve party. Miles tried to talk him out of it earlier in the day, but Danny wouldn't budge. Miles could still see the worry in his eyes and the stress in his tight shoulders when they were in the car.
Miles knew he had asked Danny to choose between Larry's reaction if he didn't attend or his reaction to Danny living with him. There wasn't a winning scenario for Danny.
Miles picked up the glass of whiskey but put it down immediately. "I just have a bad feeling."
Shawn sighed and placed a hand on his lower back to comfort him. "I know. But we're here if anything happens."
"When. When it happens," Miles responded. "I humiliated Will in front of Brian. He's too petty to let it go. Before, he couldn't do anything to me, but he found out that Danny is my weakness."
"Do you regret letting Danny in?"
"God, no. Never," Miles said without hesitation. "I would give up anything for him—my home, Dirge, my music. He deserves that and more."
"I know that. And so does he." Shawn gave him a reassuring smile. "All I've ever had was Courtney to care for as a younger sibling, but I have learned the best thing I can do is care for her. So, care for Danny in the ways he needs. Encourage him, comfort him, and support him."
Miles leaned against Shawn's shoulder. "How do you always say what I need to hear the most?"
Shawn kissed the top of his head. "It's a lucky guess."
Shawn's phone was sitting on the bar and started to vibrate. Shawn looked confused as he picked it up, but then his jaw tensed when he saw it was his mother calling.
"Mom?" He answered, and then his jaw clenched. "Shit. We'll be right there."
He hung up, and his gaze was sympathetic. "Larry's causing a scene."
"Goddammit." Miles stood up and rolled up the sleeves of his sweater. "This... um..." he stumbled on his words. "This may not be civil."
Shawn shrugged as he followed Miles. "I'm not a fan of 'social graces' in these situations."
They quickly made their way to the elevator, and Shawn placed his hand on Miles' back. He could feel him practically vibrate with emotions.
Miles ran a hand through his hair while waiting to reach their floor. "Did they say exactly what was happening?"
Shawn shook his head. "I'm sorry, no."
Miles groaned. "Larry and I can't have a conversation without being close to trading blows. I've gone three years without interacting with him for my own peace of mind. Three glorious years."
"Will you be okay tonight?"
Miles smiled at him. "Will you post bail for me?"
Shawn chuckled. "Absolutely."
The elevator door chimed, and the doors opened up to a posh hallway. Miles could hear the music playing from the ballroom ahead. What unsettled him were the voices rising above the music. Although he avoided Larry for years, he would never mistake his voice.
He and Shawn stepped into the ballroom, extremely underdressed, but nobody noticed them. Everyone was watching the spectacle in a small nook of the room. Larry, Madeline, and Will had cornered Danny, who was somehow holding his ground. Delma and Glenn spoke to Larry angrily but hushedly, trying to pull them away.
Miles weaved through the crowd, garnering some attention from them. Those who noticed him backed away quickly, almost afraid of him. He could hear some murmuring about his tattoos and whispers about him being an unsavory guest.
Samantha and Ray made their way to Shawn and Miles. Samantha's face was paler than usual as she clung to Ray's arm.
"I'm so sorry, dear." She reached out and squeezed Miles' arm. "They were hushed for a while, but I wasn't comfortable with how Danny looked. I didn't know if we should have interceded, so I called instead." She looked back with a conflicted look. "Perhaps I should have said something to them."
Miles shook his head and gave her a quick hug. "I'll handle Larry."
At that moment, Larry smashed a wine glass on the floor. The sound of shattered glass echoed through the ballroom, and the crowd collectively gasped.
"Your audacity will no longer be tolerated!" Although Larry didn't yell, the room was quiet enough for many to hear his harsh tone.
"Dad, please—" Danny tried to speak, but a searing glare made his words retreat. He looked terrified, and that made Miles boil with rage.
"No excuses. I can't believe you would do this to me. To your mother!" Larry snarled. "After all we gave you, this is how you repay us?"
"That's not—"
Will cut him off this time. "It's astounding how disappointing you could be."
Miles pushed the onlookers aside as he hastened his steps. He was nearly there. He wanted to call out to Danny to let him know he was not alone, but his anger had choked him.
Danny was panicking, and his eyes were darting between Larry and Will. "I don't understand why this is such an issue. It's not like—"
"Enough!" Larry snarled.
Danny's jaw clenched, and he found some confidence as he straightened his shoulders. "This is my life, father."
"You are an Anderson. You will abide by my standards."
Danny kept his strong facade. "I'm 18 now. I can live where I want, be with who I want, and study what I want."
"Boy, watch your tone."
Danny closed his eyes and poorly suppressed a grimace. "No."
Larry's hand rose and drew it back. Miles pushed through the last throng of people and caught Larry's arm before he could slap Danny.
"What the fu—" Larry roared as he turned to see who stopped him. His words sputtered out, and he paled. "You."
"Touch him, and I will break your fucking arm," Miles whispered his threat.
"Miles?" Danny called out tentatively.
Miles relaxed his expression as he looked at Danny and smiled. "Hey, kiddo. How about you go over to Shawn?"
Danny bit his lip but nodded. He rushed past Larry without looking back. Larry tried to pull from Miles' grip to go after him, but Miles twisted his arm a little, making him wince.
"You better let go of me, boy."
"Are you going to leave him alone?" Miles asked, his grip tightening.
Larry hissed. "I will have you arrested again."
Miles chuckled. "Do it. The cops will probably arrive in about 15-20 minutes, which means I have 15-20 minutes to hurt you."
Larry bristled but didn't fight back. Miles slowly let go of him and stepped back. He looked Larry up and down with disdain. He looked older, with thinning hair and deep lines around his eyes. Something about him gave off a frantic atmosphere. He seemed strained and teetering on the edge of stability.
"Danny is my son," Larry said between gritted teeth.
Miles faltered and then laughed. "Familial bonds mean jack shit to you."
"How dare you!"
Miles shook his head. "Are you forgetting about your eldest son?"
Larry looked around in panic. "Watch what you say!"
"Then stop acting like you care about your sons. All you want is a carbon copy of yourself. Good news, you have one," Miles said and nodded toward Will. "You got your greedy, piece of shit clone. Be happy with that. But I will not let you ruin Danny's life for selfish gains."
"Danny wouldn't survive without me. I pay his allowance."
"Check the account, Father," Danny spoke up from behind Miles. "I haven't touched your allowance."
Larry glared at him. "Your phone, then."
Danny shook his head. "I have a new number and plan. I only keep the old one in case you call."
Larry's unease was growing; however, he recalled something and smiled. "You can't go far in college without me paying your tuition. I'll pull it immediately."
"What?" Danny gasped. "But I worked hard for Columbia! I earned it!"
"Come back home and change your degree," Larry sneered. "And then we'll fix any other bad behaviors Miles has tainted you with."
"Bad behaviors?" Miles asked.
Danny shivered and shook his head. "No."
"I mean it. I'll call the school right now and pull everything."
Miles shook his head. "You're not paying for his tuition."
"What?" Danny and Larry asked at the same time.
"Whatever you put down for the first semester has been returned a while ago," Miles explained.
"Then how can he still attend?" Larry asked mockingly.
"I'm paying for it." Miles' words silenced the Andersons, even Danny.
Larry opened and closed his mouth several times until he could utter a single-word question, "How?"
Will stepped forward with a dark look. "Apparently, he owns a record label that generates decent revenue."
Larry seemed offended that Miles had created something successful. "A fleeting profit, I'm sure."
Miles refrained from rolling his eyes. "I believe we're done here."
"Danny," Larry ignored Miles. "Come back here."
Danny shook his head. "I'm leaving with Miles."
Will scoffed. "You think that bastard can take care of you?"
Miles gave a pointed glare toward Will. "I told you that if you said anything, you'd live to regret it. You'll find out that I keep my word." Miles was glad to see Will pale. He turned to Danny. "Are you ready to go home?"
"Yeah," he said with a quiet voice. Although he looked confident, Miles could hear the crack of emotion bleeding through the word.
"If you leave like this, you are never welcomed back in my home, boy." Larry's statement made Danny flinch.
Danny just nodded and turned his gaze to Miles. He looked desperate to leave. Miles reached for him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"That goes for you too, Miles," Larry called out after them. "I don't need trash like you to darken my door."
Miles laughed. "I've survived on my own without your money, your support, or your presence. There was never a time I ever needed you. And there will never be a time in the future, father."
He said the last part loud enough for the crowd to hear. Larry had tried to keep his past infidelity and Miles' existence a secret after he learned he couldn't exploit it. However, because of this confrontation. the whispers of high-society gossipers were already at work. Miles started to lead Danny through the crowd with a smile playing on his lips.
"I suppose we should go as well," Samantha said to Ray, who nodded in agreement.
Larry seemed to panic at the thought of such high-profile guests leaving. "Mrs. Pierce, this was only a momentary disruption. There is no reason for you and your family to leave."
Samantha pursed her lips. "I heard what you said about Miles, and I am not pleased."
"But... he's just... he's nothing." Larry stammered.
"He's family," she huffed and turned her back on him.
Shawn smiled, interlaced his fingers with Miles', and they walked out of the ballroom together. The ride down the elevator was silent, and Miles kept his arm tight around Danny. He could feel him trembling but didn't want to point it out because he was trying to hold it all in.
As they all reached their cars, Samantha hugged Miles and then Danny. "You all are coming over tomorrow, right?"
"Of course," Miles said. "We'll see you tomorrow."
Samantha nodded and gently patted Danny's cheek. "You were courageous today, and you should be proud of yourself. Larry's actions were less than ideal; however, he is not your only family. You have Miles, and now you have us."
Danny's eyes watered, and he nodded. "Thank you," he whispered emotionally.
Ray squeezed his shoulder and helped Samantha to the car, and Danny watched them drive off.
On their ride home, Danny was quiet. He stared down at his hands and hardly moved. While Shawn drove, Miles kept glancing behind him, but he didn't break the silence. He was at a loss for what to do.
Danny's mood remained the same when they reached home, and he took off to his room without saying a word. Miles sighed and leaned against Shawn. "I don't know how to help him."
Shawn kissed his temple. "I don't know either. Perhaps you just need to be with him."
Miles nodded. "You're staying?"
"I'll be in bed waiting for you," Shawn said with a parting kiss.
Miles found Danny curled up in his bed, and his blankets were wrapped around him. His eyes and the tip of his nose were red, revealing to Miles that he had been crying.
Miles laid down in the bed behind him and embraced him. "You don't have to tell me anything, Danny. I just want you to know that I'm here and not going anywhere."
He felt Danny shiver in his arms. "Do you think... something is wrong with me?"
Miles felt his heart break for his little brother. "No. Never."
"Will told him I was living here," he whispered. "He was so mad. I never saw him like that before."
"I'm sorry," Miles said as he kissed the top of his head. "I'm so sorry I made it worse."
He just barged into the ballroom, tattoos and angry, proclaimed he was taking care of Danny, and stole him away... if the fight started because of him, he just amplified the problem.
Danny shook his head. "I'm not mad at you... Well, you should have told me about my tuition, but I'm not mad."
Miles released a sigh of relief. "I meant to tell you... but things kept happening, and I forgot in the end."
Danny snorted. "Such an easy thing to forget."
Miles was relieved to hear the hint of sarcasm in his voice.
They fell quiet for a while, just enjoying the silence between them. However, Miles could feel Danny tense a little. "When he confronted me about it... the things he said about you were... terrible. Worse than I've heard before."
"I'm sorry you heard that," Miles whispered. He knew his father hated him and had said awful things about him, but he never cared because it was in private. Danny was never involved before.
"I got angry, Miles. Like everything I've bottled up exploded... I tried to stand up for myself... but then he said something homophobic, and I lost it."
"What do you mean?"
Danny's breath stuttered. "I told him the truth... I'm gay, too."
"Oh, Danny," Miles tightened his hold on him. "I'm so proud of you and love you unconditionally. I'm sorry I wasn't there to support you when it happened."
Danny shuddered, and Miles could tell he was crying again. "But you came. You stood up for me when you didn't even know what was happening... and you're here now. That's more than Will had ever done. More than mom... and way more than dad."
"He should have been a better father to both of us, especially you. To hell with him."
"Yeah. To hell with him." Danny sighed sadly. He took a few shaky breaths before speaking again. "I have a question."
"Shoot," Miles said lightly.
"Do you think your mom would have liked me?"
Miles' felt an ache in his chest for his brother. "Kiddo, she would have loved you. She would have taken one look at you and called you her own."
"Really?"
"You're special. Anyone should be proud to call you their family."
Danny made a disbelieving noise.
Miles kissed the top of his head again. "When she died, I thought I lost everything. She was the light in my dreary world, and suddenly it was gone... But then I met you. And god, Danny, you shine so fucking bright. That void I felt, that ache burrowed inside me, got lighter.
"One day, I found myself teaching you what she taught me. I strive to give you every life lesson, every act of kindness, every bit of love she gave me. It took years for me to realize that my mom lives through me, and now, she lives through you."
Danny wiped his eyes. "I like that," he whispered with a broken voice.
"Me too, Danny. You never had the opportunity to meet her, but I'll keep giving you pieces of her so you'll know her too."
Danny was quiet, hiding his sniffles. He snuggled closer to Miles and hesitated. "Do you think... she would be okay if I took her last name?"
Miles' breath caught in his throat. "What?"
"I mean... and I know I never met her, but I care for her... and you've been more of a father figure than dad... um... Larry..." his words trailed off. "...I really would like to be a Mendez."
Miles felt his tears threatening to fall. "Oh, Danny. Of course. She would be proud. I would be proud to have you be a Mendez."
Danny finally released a shattering sob. Miles held him and let him cry out his heartbreak. The Andersons were hardly a loving family, but Danny was finally letting them go, and it was painful nonetheless.
Miles didn't know how long it took for Danny's sobs to subside to quiet sniffles. Miles searched for the words to comfort Danny, but everything seemed so menial. But there was one lesson his mom taught him that he hadn't voiced to Danny yet... her last expression of love.
It was the one thing he had the hardest believing in, but maybe Danny could believe it for him.
"Danny?" He called out tentatively.
Danny gave him a light hum, letting him know he was listening.
Miles closed his eyes, drawing out the words burned into his heart. "There's magic in this world... I found it in music, and most importantly, I find it in you. Never forget that."
Miles feared he would laugh, but Danny clung to him and cried instead.
Miles stayed with him until his breathing evened out, and he was fast asleep.
Danny was his. His brother. His family. Blood be damned. No one was ever going to hurt him like this again.